Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibrates - http://www.hvacmechanic.com/ Forums
Original message
| tedrik
 |  "Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibrates"
, posted Mon 2 Jun 14:04  
I recently had a water heater replaced which is below the inside unit of our trane heatpump. The plumber asked if he could KNOCK OUT some boards to make it easier to get at the water heater replacement (tight squeeze-water heater is below the heat pump in an enclosed closet). I said okay. This was in March, so the AC was not in use. Since we started using the ac portion of the heat pump it has been shaking/vibrating. We have STUFFED folds of paper in creases to try and quiet it down-to no great improvement. Is the fact that some boards were removed that put the unit out of balance? or is that a coincidence? Is the shaking/vibration symptoms of something wearing out? There is no problem with the cooling.
Also, we have had the unit for 14 years and never had it serviced. It has cooled great all these texas hot summers. I was told to Keep these annual service checkup people away from your unit-since they may create a problem. I would have had the annnuals done but was told "as long as you have cold air" leave it alone. Adding freon could create a leak??! Anyway, Thanks in advance for the help. We need to do something about this vibration. Tedrik
tedrik
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Replies:
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| theduke03
| "Re(1):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Mon 2 Jun 17:37
Hard to say from here but go ahead and add some reinforcement to that unit.
As far as annual servicing, we do not add freon unless your system is low on freon. If it is low then we suggest locating and repairing the leak. We clean your coils which by now are probably nasty and are service calls waiting to happen. Then we also clean your condensate drain which by now is probably a flood waiting to happen. Dirty coils = higher electric bill, loss of capacity, compressor failure, blower failure, and freeze-ups.
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| | tedrik
| "Re(2):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Mon 2 Jun 20:05
what helps is that we have a T pipe where we have been able to pour bleach down every month in the summer to keep the lines clean. We are considering putting a new system in soon. What type or how to reinforce to prevent vibration? Would an ac contractor do that type of work? Thanks for your reply.
tedrik
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| | theduke03
| "Re(3):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Mon 2 Jun 20:42
Yes a contractor can make sure the unit is properly supported and correct issues like that. I can't say how to without looking at it but I would start by replacing whatever the plumber removed. It's all up to your imagination after that. If you're not gonna call someone then you have to identify whats causing the noise
You could have other issues. You say this started when you ran a/c but what about heat?
Also your blower motor bearings could be shot. Shut off power to indoor unit and open up the blower compartment. Give the wheel a jiggle and a spin. If the spinning is not smooth or the jiggling is excessive then I would suspect bad bearings(blower motor).
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| | tedrik
| "Re(4):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Tue 3 Jun 15:07
Again-thanks for your help-been spending lots of time online studying Trane (current system) and also Lennox, Goodman, Carrier. Checking reviews, it seems their are plenty of BAD reviews for all of these companies-very confusing. I would think that poor installation would be the problem, not necessarily the system.
tedrik
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| | theduke03
| "Re(5):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Tue 3 Jun 18:04
That couldn't be more true. For example if I installed a crappy Goodman system it would run better and longer than a Trane or Carrier installed by a hacker. Goodman does suck though.
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| | tedrik
| "Re(6):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Wed 4 Jun 14:31:
Well, I folowed your advice-disconnected the power, took off the metal cover and spun the fan wheel-nice and smooth and no jiggle at all. I took a chance and turned the fan on without the metal cover and no vibration. As soon as I replaced the cover-rattling and vibration back again! I experimented with loosening/tightening different screws to try and balance or even out the noise.. I guess I will have to live with the noise (only bothers us when we walk by the unit which is in a short hallway). Is there any padding etc. inside the fan compartment that could possibly need reinforcing? Probably back to when the plumbers knocked out the boards and threw it off balance. Any other suggestions or diagnoses?? You've been a great help-thanks much, Tedrik
Just thought of something-it may have been vibrating but I did not notice since the cover was off (no metal to rattle). Guess I'll have to try it again. If the fan is OK-what else would cause the vibration? Thanks again.
tedrik
[this message was edited by tedrik on Wed 4 Jun 14:44] |
| | theduke03
| "Re(7):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Wed 4 Jun 20:37
Can nyou take pictures of the whole setup?
Then: To post pictures simply go to photobucket.com. Upload your pics, then click on the img code(copy) under the uploaded pic. Then paste img code in your reply.
"My dad was the most feared furnace fighter in Northern Indiana."
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| | tedrik
| "Re(8):Inside unit-Trane HeatPump rattles vibr" , posted Sun 8 Jun 22:19
Well, I just ordered a Goodman 3 ton 16 seer heatpump. It has a copeland lifetime warranted compressor. I checked with a neighbor who has 4 year old Goodman 13 seer and has had no problems. I know I am being overcharged ($5700 for pump and installation. Or am I? I'd rather not know- but am I? LOL) It will be installed tomorrow. At least I'm getting rid of that vibrating builder quality Trane with an seer of 10! I also read that except for the compressor most of the parts are shared with all the other heatpump companies. I think only Trane and American standard use exclusive compressors. I'm hoping the install goes well! Thanks to Duke for help. Please don't be too harsh on me for selecting a Goodman! LOL P.S. I do get a $375 Rebate from my electric company for purchasing a 16 SEER.
tedrik
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